Better Euros see Jersey in World League

GUERNSEY has been confirmed as hosts of a six-nation European under-23 cricket tournament next summer. Earlier indications had suggested that the event

would feature only three or four teams.

The countries involved are Italy, France, Gibraltar and Germany along with Jersey and Guernsey and it will run from Monday 13 to Thursday 16 August.

The exact format is yet to be finalised but it is expected to be two groups of three teams with play-offs to determine the final placings.

Jersey have also had good news with regard to international cricket. Following their second-place finish at August's ECC Second Division Championships in Glasgow, they have been admitted to Division Five of the new World Cricket League.

They will face Nepal, Singapore, Botswana, Afghanistan, Argentina, Cook Islands and Norway in a tournament in the first half of 2008. The venue has yet to be selected.

At the European Championships, Guernsey finished fifth despite winning more matches than their great rivals.

'It's certainly great news for Jersey and disappointing for Guernsey, knowing that we missed out,' said the president of the Guernsey Cricket Board, Dave Piesing.

'But it just goes to show the fine margin of tournament cricket as Guernsey won three out of four games and finished fifth, yet Jersey won two out of four and finished second.

'I'm sure that Jersey will prepare well and do well and help to put Channel Islands cricket even more firmly on the map.

'2008 is going to be a big-time commitment for their players but a great opportunity for them to look forward to.'

Also, in July, Jersey will host their own international competition, the Under-19 European Division Two Championship featuring the two Channel Islands sides, Belgium, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Israel, Italy and the Isle of Man.

There is a possibility that Greece could come in as well.

'We've certainly got the experience of handling that number of teams, having hosted the Under-16 Standard Chartered inter-county competition many times,' said the Jersey Cricket Board's director of cricket, Chris Minty.

'We'll be responsible for accommodation and ferrying the teams around the island, as well as the umpires, who'll be supplied by the European Cricket Council.'